The exclusive interview of Hungary’s former Foreign Minister Kinga Göncz to Mediamax

Kinga Göncz is Hungary’s former Foreign Minister (9 June 2006 – 14 April 2009). She is the daughter of Árpád Göncz, former President of Hungary. In 2009 she headed the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) European election list and was subsequently elected as one of 22 Hungarian Members of the European  Parliament.

- Ms Göncz, what's Your opinion about the decision of Hungary  to extradite Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov to Azerbaijan?

 - I consider it a serious mistake. The issue of the possible extradition of Ramil Safarov was also raised during my tenure in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We didn't meet this request because we didn't want to spark a conflict between the two countries whose relationship has been tense for decades beacuse of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The extradition was a wrong decision which might have been made without taking into account the possible consequences, not consulting experts before the decision. But, if the Hungarian government has been aware of the possible consequences, it has acted unethically. Either case is seriously problematic.

- Many analysts affirm that Azerbaijan and Hungary struck a secret deal in which Azerbaijan agreed to buy Hungarian government debt obligations  in exchange for Safarov release. What do You think on this?

 - We don't know what exactly happened. What we know is that Prime Minister Orban advertises his policy of "opening to the East", meaning turning away from European values and avoiding any kind of outside control over his government. He tries to find other sources than the IMF to finance the budget deficit and no price seems to be too high for it.

- State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan announced it “is not considering any investment into debt obligations or other financial tools in Hungary”. Does it mean that Azerbaijan tricked Hungary?

 - I can't answer this question. We don't know what exactly happened. What we know is that it was the Prime Minister who personally decided about extraditing Mr Safarov.

- What Hungary lost or achieved as a result of Safarov extradition to Azerbaijan?

-  Hungary achieved nothing. At the same time it has broken its image in the international arena. Whether it was flawed diplomacy or unethical behaviour, either case is very harmful for Hungary's international reputation.

- Who are the main responsible of this situation?

- The Azeri President, the Hungarian government and personally Prime Minister Viktor Orban hold responsibility for the tense situation.

- What's the opinion of Hungarian Socialist Party about Safarov extradition?

- The Hungarian Socialist Party harshly critizised the steps taken by the Hungarian goverment while extraditing Mr Safarov. The party asks for parliamentary inquiry and calls on the PM to publicly apologize to Armenia.

- Do you find it possible that PM Viktor Orban may resign because of the situation?

-  After dismantling the system of democratic checks and balances in Hungary, Prime Minister Orban, with suppport of his party's parliamentary majority does whatever he wants. His policy sparks numerous conflicts internally and externally, and without any political consequences.

- On August 31 Armenian President Serj Sargsian announced that Armenia is suspending diplomatic relations and all official ties with Hungary. What developments to expect as a result of the halt of diplomatic relations between two countries?

- The EU Eastern Partnership is very important for Hungary's foreign policy. Our country's relations with Armenia are traditionally very good. Hungarians have always felt deep sympathy and appreciation towards the people of Armenia and their history. I do hope that this incident cannot and will not darken our relations and future cooperation. In these days many people in Hungary expressed their deep sympathy, apology and compassion towards your country and your people.

- What do you think, when and how it is possible the Restoration of relations between Armenia and Hungary?

-  I hope our traditionally good relations will be recovering sooner than later. I also hope that Armenian people will not confuse our autocratic government with other political actors, and the Hungarian people.

Narine Daneghyan talked to Kinga Göncz for Mediamax.